Stanley Allen Steck

Jan 6, 1955 -

Sep 30, 2022

Born in Berkley, Calif., to Helen and George Steck, Stan would say that he never grew up. He lived in Albuquerque, Palo Alto, and Moab before embarking on his aviation career in Alaska. The day he died, his heart took off in a reggae rhythm and eventually stopped. He left with a double rainbow, like the Queen. Stan led an amazing, diverse life. He fulfilled his life-long dream that began with getting his pilot's license at age 16; his instructor called him "Ace" and remarked he was one in a million. He worked for NASA, but found the desk too limiting. He joined the National Park Service as a River Ranger in Grand Canyon. In 1992, he moved to King Salmon, Alaska, as a Park Service Pilot before getting hired as the Denali Pilot Ranger. Upon retirement from the Park Service, he flew for Kantishna Air Taxi. Ultimately he flew as a Glacier Pilot for K2 out of Talkeetna. His heart was flying over Alaska; and his soul was in Grand Canyon. A problem solver, he loved repairing small motors, woodworking, construction and tinkering. He was a gifted artist in silversmithing, drawing and painting. He was a firearms instructor and a world class swimmer and coach. He was generous with his time and knowledge. He was chair of his voting precinct and worked elections. His diverse interests filled his home with people, laughter and stuff; he was "hoarderline." He met his wife Ruth swimming and they plunged into a fun-filled journey. They packed a lot of action and adventure into their lives. He said he got the better deal when they got married on Leap Day 2000 after proposing to one another. Their love was palpable to all who met them. Stan had one son Travis, whom he deeply loved and admired; their relationship had grown in recent years. He loved his granddaughter Haley and soon-to-be-born great-grandson. It's impossible to capture the full essence of Stan in a few words. He was larger than life, from his infectious smile to his riotous belly laugh. He was open hearted and generous to family, friends, neighbors and strangers. He mastered all he set out to do … in his own time. He was deeply loved by all who knew him. Stan the Man, you were, in a word, Steck-tacular! He left behind his wife, Ruth Carter; son, Travis; granddaughter, Haley; siblings, Mike and Ricia; niece, Nellie (Joseph); Uncle Allen; cousins, Lee (Cindy) and Sara; the Smolenski family; countless friends; and his little black tooth-rocket, Cricket. Join us for a Celebration of a Life Well Lived at the Alaska Aviation Museum, Odom Hanger, on Oct. 29, 2022, from 2-5 p.m. Bring a favorite memory, wear brightly colored clothing or your favorite crocs. A second celebration is in the planning for Talkeetna spring 2023.